Nasal potential difference: a clinical diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis.
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) demonstrate a markedly more negative potential difference (PD) across respiratory epithelia than normal or "diseased" controls. A technique is described for the measurement of nasal PD in both children and adults. 145 non-CF subjects showed a mean PD of -19.0 mV (range -2 to -36) in comparison to 60 patients with cystic fibrosis with mean of -46.0 mV (range -32 to -77). Amongst the latter group those with more severe disease had a more negative PD. Measurement of nasal PD is easily learnt and rapidly performed and may provide an additional means of diagnosis for CF.
Alton
E W
EW
Royal Brompton and National Heart Hospital, London, UK.
Currie
D
D
Logan-Sinclair
R
R
Warner
J O
JO
Hodson
M E
ME
Geddes
D M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008839:Microelectrodes; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013183:Sputum